On My Journey I've learned...

On My Journey I've learned...

• To celebrate the small wins as much as I do the big.

• To remain teachable.

• To offer myself the same forgiveness I offer others.

• To own my talents and share my gifts.

• To acknowledge my self worth, daily.

• To remain humble.

• To live in gratitude at all times.

• To live from the end.

• To count my blessings.

• To say I love you freely.

• To except love without hesitation.

• To practice daily affirmations.

• To believe in something larger than myself.

• I've learned BELIEVING IS SEEING, and NOT the other way around.

These are just a few that came to mind...each day I add to my list. Today I honor those living with or without illnesses...we all are trying to find our voices on this journey. I dream of a day when

the cure has been brought to light. Until that day comes, I continue to flood by body with this nutrition and know that I am giving my body the fighting chance it deserves. Just 13 months ago I began my holistic wellness journey...I only wish I would have started sooner. I know I have realigned with my true spirit. I am worthy! I am whole & complete...and I am loved.

For those living with Chronic illness...there is hope. I have proudly made it my mission to share this hope, even with those who may not be ready to hear it yet. Because, I know it will help you. I know it can save your life too. Someone cared enough to stick with me until I tried it...and I am forever grateful. When we find something that works, it is our duty to share.

TO YOUR JOURNEY,

Mare

What's your name tag say?

For years I wore a name tag that said “Hello, I am Fibromyaglia & Sarcoidosis.” Like so many living with Fibro and Sarcoid, I fought for years for the Doctors to tell me what was wrong with me. The more I heard “There is nothing wrong with you, the tests don't show anything, you're fine, you look fine... bla bla bla” I began to believe I was crazy. I felt very alone. Was it all in my head? I wanted so badly for the Dr's to give it a name, then at least I would know how to deal with it. Years later a Doctor finally did. Guess what, I still didn't know how to deal with it or pronounce it.

So I packed my bags, put on my name tag, and headed into my cave called fear. I liked it there. It was dark and I didn't have to fight any more. I finally had a name tag with a title and I clung to it for dear life. Hell, I fought a long time to get it, I wasn't going to give it up that easily. It was more a “See, I told you something was wrong with me and I wasn't faking it!” Picture it...a grown 40 something year old woman...sticking out her tongue “I told ya so, I told you so!” Not pretty, right ? It was really kinda sad. I sat in my illnesses, I sat there allowing the pity and the poor Mare's to comfort me.

I hid behind my illness out of fear. I said “I'd do anything to feel better”. But each time someone tried to help...I stayed stuck in my fear. I remember sitting in my cave and thinking this was it. I lost all hope of a normal life. With anger boiling over, I yelled at my higher power “Really, This is it?” Then the day came when the fear became bigger than the illness and I'd had enough. Out from the cave I came “This is NOT what I was put on this earth for...there HAS to be something to learn, some kind of positive to come from this”. I changed my mindset and opened my heart. The first of many steps I took to reclaim my life!

Today, I am fearless and living my truth. Today, I'm helping others living with limitations, see their truth. I help them to embrace their power and gain control of their health and their life. I had to go through the loss and the struggles to appreciate this gift. I had to get past the fear to see just how amazing life truly is. Life is about connecting with your authentic self, standing in your brilliance, knowing YOU have the power to create the life you want, and above all else, being of service and sharing your gift. Want more for others, than yourself. You can't give away what you don't have.

Today I'm still wearing a name tag...but this time I replaced Fibro with FEARLESS, Sarcoid with SERENITY, Limited with LIMITLESS, and Handicapped with CAPABLE! Today I am a woman who stands in her brilliance. I am a woman inspired. I am a woman empowered. I am a woman who remains teachable. I am a woman of service. I am a woman FULL of gratitude. I am a woman who says “YES”. I wear my new name tags proudly as I go confidently in the direction of my dreams!

With love,

Mare

My Journey in 30 days

In the first 30 days of my 90 day program I....

• Released 26 lbs, 21.75 inches, and went down 2 pant/shirt sizes!!
• Gained self respect and motivation to live a healthy life style.
• Stuck to a 1,000 - 1,200 cal day, no butter, very high protein (not chicken, it can cause inflammation) organic eggs, fruit, and veggies, no coffee, tea, soda, or alcohol.
• I cleansed twice a week , and enjoyed it!
• Drank 5,270 ounces of water (more then a gallon a day)
• Began a work out program, 4 days a week, plus walking on weekends with my family.
• Became aware! Aware of the excuses and how I justified my unhealthy life style.
• Became an inspiration to my daughters through my actions.

I am proud of who I am, and what I've accomplished. I owned my childhood baggage, and all the reasons I kept the weight on, for far too long. Food was not my enemy, I was. I am also winning my battle over my medical beasts! I'm thrilled I only see my Pharmacist once a month now, I'm down to only for 1 prescription!! Pain and inflammation levels are getting lower every day. My heart is full of gratitude and love. Gods given me the tools, I'm doing the work. I believe!!

Blessings,

Mare

Caution, Slippery Slopes ahead.

I walked acrossed the slippery slope, even though I knew it was wrong. As I reached into the Halloween candy, I began rationalizing my move “I can handle it. I've lost 20 lbs. Hell, I deserve one”. I wasted no time, I inhaled that candy bar like a pro. I'm not 100% sure I removed the wrapper, to tell ys the truth. Yes, It was THAT bad! That was it, I failed again. The worse part was I wasn't craving it, it was just there. Let the negative self talk begin...and boy did it.

The following morning I started my day clear headed, but sick as hell. I thought “I've done it now. I'm going to explode or something right? Ok God, I get it, message received.” As things began returning to normal, I became profoundly aware of just how much my body has transformed, both inside and out. My body wanted nothing to do with that little snack size candy bar, and it was going to make sure I knew that. The negative voices in my head on the other hand, thats my daily struggle.

My environment is stronger then my will power. My stinkin thinkin got me to this chapter in my life, and I believe it's best if I just follow the path placed in front of me, and stop trying to control everything. I need to get out of my way, and allow the gift to work. It doesn't take long for the negative voices to start in, and try to convince us we're not worth it, or we don't deserve to be happy and healthy. Then we react and make a B-line towards the slippery slopes. Instead of reacting, lets respond. Let's tell the negative voices “WE CAN DO THIS! Yes, are worth it. There's no cheating, it's a LIFE STYLE CHANGE! We can start over, WE CAN'T FAIL!”

With my Wellness program in place, my family's encouragement, my health angel Mindy by my side, and feeling the benefits each day, as I get better and better....I am able to face my Medical Beasts head on. On the days I don't feel strong enough, and find it hard to believe in myself, I draw on the belief they have in me. I read the encouragement letters they've placed in my Transformation Folder, and I journal like a mad woman.

Reaching out to others is NOT a sign a weakness. It's a sign of courage. If you are in need of a friend...you've got the tools right in front of you. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Blessings,

Mare